Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Cary is 133% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,621/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 40%
$129,399/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 340%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 77%
$1,744/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 44%
176,686
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $77,229/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Lansing — common questions

Is Cary or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Lansing?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $645/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Lansing?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $77,229/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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